Written by Ron on Maui. May 18, 2006.
The smoke from the sugar mill rose straight up out of the stacks this morning. Usually it was blown south by the trade winds. The foul smell that emanates from the factory had nowhere to go and was especially overpowering as I drove past on my way to work. With no wind, the West Maui Mountains were unusually cloud free.
About 10:00 AM, a slight breeze started stirring. The windsock was clearly confused. It would point south, then hang limp, then jump to the east or west. All at once, it swung around and pointed to the north. It was going to be a Kona Wind day!
In Hawaii, the normal wind is from the northeast and is called the Trade Wind. The winds are almost always Trades. This is why the rain forests are on the east or windward side of the island. The leeward side is dry and warm. Kihei!! But during a Kona wind, wet may be west, both sides wet, both sides dry. It all changes during a Kona wind.
As the velocity of the air increases, small bits of grass and trash free themselves from their prison against the south boundary fence and begin a headlong rush across the tarmac, tumbling frantically to the fence on the opposite side of the airport, there to wait patiently for the next wind change.
3 comments:
Good stuff Ron! Keep up the writing and post the pixs so we can keep in touch. It works better then trying to call when everyone is home! Best Regards, Hal
Our winds have been clocking about lately as well. One morning the smoke from the burning Everglades was so thick the sun couldn't be seen. Later the same week we smelled smoke again but the wind were from the opposite direction - Cuba was burning the sugar cane fields! I don't need to tell you that the boat has been dusty lately, or should I say ashy?!?
Kona wind - Chinook wind - it all blows!! Hee Hee Hee. Hope all is well. A really good informational posting. Love ya.
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